Air India Transforms Its Loyalty Program: Here’s Everything You Need To Know


Skift Take

Air India has worked at a record pace to develop and roll out a new version of its loyalty program, with huge changes for customers.

Air India’s ongoing transformation is one of the most closely watched developments in the aviation world - and rightfully so. The recently privatized airline, which serves a country of 1.4 billion people, is playing catch-up with its international peers. 

Speaking last month at the Skift India Summit, the airline's CEO, Campbell Wilson, compared the overhaul of the 92-year-old carrier to a launching a start-up.

Alongside new planes, IT software, and training, a major area for improvement is its Flying Returns loyalty scheme. Although it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the frequent flier platform feels stuck in a different era altogether, having last been updated in 2012. 

Air India’s new program goes live today and it’s a massive improvement. Here are six key changes for earning and redeeming those all-important reward points:

1. Move to value-based earnings

The airline previously granted points based on the dis